Chiropractor vs. Physiotherapist: Which One Do I Need?

The Short Answer If your pain is related to spinal alignment, joint pain, posture, or nervous system function, start with a Chiropractor. If your pain is from a muscle tear, post-surgery rehab, or a specific sports injury, start with a Physiotherapist. At Velca Health Centre in East Auckland, we often combine both for faster results.

What does a Chiropractor do? Chiropractors focus on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on the spine.

• Primary Goal: Restore joint mobility and nervous system function.

• Best For: Lower back pain, neck stiffness, headaches, and sciatica.

• The Treatment: Hands-on spinal adjustments (manipulation) to correct misalignments.

What does a Physiotherapist do? Physiotherapists focus on restoring movement and function when you are affected by injury, illness, or disability.

• Primary Goal: Rehabilitate muscles and improve mobility through exercise.

• Best For: Sprained ankles, muscle tears, post-surgical recovery, and arthritis.

• The Treatment: Massage, targeted exercises, and joint mobilisation.

The Velca Advantage You shouldn't have to guess. Because we are a multidisciplinary centre, our Howick team will assess you and refer you to the correct practitioner—whether that’s one of our chiropractors or our physio team—under one roof.